The work councils do every day to support communities across New South Wales will be recognised during Local Government Week.
Running from 3 to 9 August, Local Government Week is an annual initiative of Local Government NSW highlighting the services councils provide and the people who deliver them.
Councils are the level of government closest to the community. They maintain local roads and public spaces, operate libraries and swimming pools, manage community facilities and provide a wide range of services relied on by residents and businesses.
Across New South Wales, 128 councils, 8 county councils and 13 Joint Organisations manage more than 86,111 hectares of open space, maintain more than 463 public swimming pools, operate 367 public libraries and are responsible for more than 167,959 kilometres of public roads.
More than 65,200 people work in the New South Wales local government sector, delivering services and maintaining the facilities and infrastructure communities depend on.
The Minns Labor Government is backing the local government workforce by investing more than a quarter of a billion dollars in the Fresh Start program to hire 1,700 more apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils across NSW.
The Fresh Start program has been particularly beneficial for the regions, with 65 percent of Fresh Start recruits hired to work at regional and rural councils, delivering vital skills where they're needed most and strengthening the future local government workforce.
Councils across the state will hold activities during Local Government Week. Residents can contact their local council to find out what is taking place in their area.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
"Councils are part of people's everyday lives, often in ways that are not immediately obvious.
"They maintain the local roads we travel on, look after parks and public spaces, run libraries and community facilities, and provide services that communities rely on every day.
"Having spent more than 30 years in local government, I know how much work happens behind the scenes and how committed council staff are to the communities they serve.
"Local Government Week is an opportunity to recognise that work and to learn more about what your council does in your local area.
"I encourage people to see what their council has planned and take part in the activities being held in their community."
